How many 1976 $2 bills were printed?

About 590 million 1976 series $2 bills were printed, making them relatively common. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has continued printing $2 bills; more recent series are just as common. Only star notes, FDIs, and fancy serials command real premiums.

Should I spend my 1976 $2 bill?

If it's circulated with no special features (no star, no FDI, no fancy serial), spending it is fine; it's worth $2. If it's uncirculated, a star note, or an FDI, consider keeping or selling it to a collector.

Published: January 13, 2025

Tool

1976 Bicentennial $2 Bill Guide

Identify your 1976 two dollar bill and discover if it's a valuable First Day Issue.

Why the 1976 $2 Bill Is Special

The 1976 $2 bill was reintroduced on April 13, 1976, Thomas Jefferson's birthday and America's Bicentennial year. It was the first $2 bill printed since 1966 and featured a new back design showing the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Many Americans mistakenly believed these bills were rare, leading to widespread hoarding.

1976 $2 bill value guide Do they still make $2 bills?BEP history of the $2 bill

Release Date

April 13, 1976, Thomas Jefferson's 233rd birthday.

Back Design

John Trumbull's 'Declaration of Independence' replaced Monticello.

Print Run

About 590 million bills printed. NOT rare.

Common Myth

Many believed they were special editions. They're regular currency.

What Is a First Day Issue (FDI)?

On April 13, 1976, thousands of people lined up at post offices to get their new $2 bills postmarked with the release date. These 'First Day Issues' became collectibles. Understanding what qualifies as an FDI is key to knowing if yours has extra value.

Are $2 bills worth anything?US Currency Education Program

True FDI

Bill attached to envelope or card with April 13, 1976 cancellation stamp.

Stamped Bill

Stamp applied directly to bill (less desirable, damages the bill).

City Matters

FDIs from small towns or unusual locations are worth more.

Condition Counts

Crisp, uncirculated bills with clean postmarks are most valuable.

NOT an FDI

Bills with regular stamps or postmarks from other dates.

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1976 $2 Bill Value Guide

Most 1976 $2 bills are worth only $2-$5. Here's what different varieties typically sell for:

Check your bill's value How much is a $2 bill worth?PCGS currency price guide

Type	Circulated	Uncirculated	Notes
Regular 1976	$2	$3-$5	Face value unless pristine
Star Note	$5-$15	$20-$50	Look for ★ at serial end
FDI (common city)	$5-$10	$15-$30	Washington, NYC, etc.
FDI (small town)	$15-$30	$40-$75	Rarer postmarks
FDI (special location)	$25-$50	$75-$150+	Independence Hall, etc.
Fancy Serial	$10-$50	$50-$200+	Ladders, radars, etc.
Low Serial (0000xxxx)	$20-$100	$100-$300	Under 00001000
Consecutive Run (100+)	-	$300-$1,000+	Uncut or sequential

How to Identify Your 1976 $2 Bill

Confirming your bill is from the 1976 series and checking for valuable features takes just a moment:

Look up your star note Who is on the $2 bill?

Series Year

Look for '1976' printed on the front, right of Jefferson's portrait.

Green Seal

1976 bills have green Treasury seals (older $2s have red seals).

Back Design

Shows Declaration signing; older $2s show Monticello.

Star Note

Check if serial number ends with a ★ symbol instead of a letter.

Federal Reserve

Letter A-L indicates issuing district (affects some collector interest).

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Common 1976 $2 Bill Myths

Many misconceptions persist about 1976 $2 bills. Here's the truth:

Complete $2 bill guide Learn about collecting paper money

Myth: They're Rare

FACT: 590 million printed. More $2 bills exist than you'd think.

Myth: All Are Valuable

FACT: Most are worth $2-$5. Only special varieties have premiums.

Myth: Banks Don't Have Them

FACT: You can request $2 bills at any bank. They're still printed.

Myth: Stores Won't Accept Them

FACT: They're legal tender. Some cashiers are just unfamiliar.

Myth: Stamped = Valuable

FACT: Random stamps or non-April 13 postmarks add no value.

Features

How CashScan Helps With $2 Bills

Series Verification

Confirm your bill is from the 1976 Bicentennial series.

Star Note Check

Identify 1976 star notes worth premium prices.

FDI Detection

Learn if you have a valuable First Day Issue.

Value Estimates

Get realistic values for your 1976 $2 bill.

Try CashScan free to scan, identify, and value your bills.

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FAQ

Scan 1976 Bicentennial $2 Bills FAQ

Most 1976 $2 bills are worth $2-$5 at most. True First Day Issues with April 13, 1976 postmarks can be worth $10-$75+. Star notes from low print runs, fancy serial numbers, and consecutive uncirculated runs have additional value.